Pakistan Gambling

Pakistani Gambling Laws

Gambling in Pakistan is illegal, as the majority of
the country adheres to the Muslim faith. The Koran
teaches that gambling is evil and forbids all Muslims
from taking part in it. Not only are brick-and-mortar
casino sites illegal, but Pakistani credit cards are
also banned from major Internet gambling sites.

Despite these laws, however, there is a thriving
illegal gambling underground in the country. Illegal
sports betting and illegal lottery games thrive in
Pakistan, in direct defiance of governmental sanction.
Punishment for illegal gaming is harsh, though, so this
site would not recommend gambling in Pakistan.

Pakistan Information

Located in South Asia, Pakistan (or The Islamic
Republic of Pakistan) is bordered by Afghanistan, Iran,
India and China. It is the sixth most populous country
in the world, and it also contains the second largest
Muslim population. Pakistan is a member of the United
Nations, World Trade Organization, G33 Developing
Countries and Group of 77. Pakistan is the only Muslim
country considered a nuclear weapons state.

The country is divided into the provinces of Sindh,
Punjab, North-West Frontier Province and Balochistan.
Territories include Islamabad Capital Territory and the
Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Pakistan also
administers portions of Kashmir. These include Azad
Kashmir and the Northern Areas.

Covering over 340,000 square miles, Pakistan is the
combined size of the United Kingdom and France. The vast
landscape contains many different types of terrain, from
swamps and beaches to forests and icy mountains.

The population of Pakistan is estimated at
164,742,000, giving it a higher population than Russia
and less than Brazil. Due to a high birth rate, however,
it is expected to pass Brazil by 2020.

Major ethnic groups of Pakistan include: Punjabis,
Pashtuns, Sindhis, Seraikis, Muhaijrs and Balochis. Due
to ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, there are also 2
million registered Afghan refugees in the country.

Urdu is the national language, while English is
considered the official language. While given no
official recognition, Punjabi is spoken by over 60
million people.

Muslims make up 96% of the population, with 77% of
those being Sunni Muslims. Other religions in Pakistan
include Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and
Animism. The country contains the second largest Shi’a
population on the planet.

While cricket is the most popular sport in the
country, field hockey is considered the official and
national sport. Other popular sports include squash and
football (soccer).

Illegal Sportsbetting in Pakistan

Despite the gambling ban in Pakistan, a major
underground bookmaking operation exists within the
country. Gamblers call their bookie on a cell phone and
use a friend or relative as a reference. While the odds
aren’t as favorable as other places, it’s the only
option available to prospective gamblers. Winnings (or
losses) are paid through a money changer.

Prize Bond Draws in Pakistan

Prize Bond Draws (similar to a lottery) are very
popular in Pakistan, despite the fact that they’re
illegal. Drawings are held on the first and fifteenth of
each month, and tickets can be purchased from numerous
dealers located in major cities. According to one
dealer, over 100 million rupees are wagered on a draw in
just the Punjab province.

Players can win anywhere from 200 to 40,000 rupees,
and the dealer gets a 10% commission on any prize
awarded above 10,000.